Startup Stories: Couple starts a new business and finds ways to attract customers in large numbers after a few slow months.

Jera and Brad Deal of Peoria, Illinois really put the “accident” in “accidental entrepreneurs.” After successful careers in business — he in management and she in marketing — it’s not surprising that Jera and Brad would eventually go into business for themselves. But how they did it is one of those amazing “only in America” stories with a side of good-old fashioned hard work and perseverance.

Saeed talks about what it’s like being the owner of a building that houses hundreds of startups and as well as the provider of mission critical services to his tenants. This is a dream job. The interview is packed with helpful insights and lessons.

If you own a small business that you want to grow more aggressively go check out this cool site on growth strategies involving the acquisition of your suppliers, competitors, customers, and anyone else who happens to be in view. Continue reading →